Japanese Quail Diets Research Articles

Effects of including different levels of equal mix of soybean and flaxseed oils in Japanese quail diets on the growth, carcass quality, and blood biomarkers

Corn, the primary ingredient in modern poultry feeds, contains high levels of ω-6 fatty acids but lacks sufficient ω-3 fatty acids, creating an imbalance. Maintaining a balance between ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids in poultry diets is crucial due to their competition. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating different concentrations of an equal mix of soybean oil (SO) and flaxseed oil (FO) into quail diets on growth performance, carcass quality, and blood biochemistry. One-week-old Japanese quail birds (n=200) were randomly assigned to four dietary groups, each comprising five replicates with 10 chicks per replicate. Four isonitrogenous/isocaloric basal diets were formulated. Group 1 (control) received a basal diet without SO or FO, while Groups 2-4 received basal diets supplemented with an equal mix of SO+FO at levels of 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%, respectively. The inclusion of oil mixes significantly increased body weight (BW) at five weeks and daily weight gain (DWG) during weeks 3-5 and 1-5. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved with the addition of oil mixes throughout the trial period. Supplementing quail diets with oil mixes resulted in reduced serum total cholesterol (TC) and LDL cholesterol, elevated serum HDL cholesterol, and no significant effect on triglycerides (TG) and VLDL cholesterol levels. Quails fed oil-supplemented diets showed lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine levels, while urea and uric acid were significantly affected. Birds fed diets with oil mixes also had increased serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgY), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). However, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels did not significantly change across experimental groups. Overall, adding up to 2% of the SO and FO mix in growing quail feeds improved growth performance, blood lipid profile, liver and kidney function markers, immune response, and antioxidant defense. The highest level of oil mix (2%) yielded the most beneficial effects.

Effects of ginger and purslane supplemented diets on the production and physiology of Japanese quail

The Japanese quail is considered one of the most significant species in the poultry industry. Various dietary strategies aim to improve the quality of quails and reduce or eliminate the use of antibiotics. Therefore, depending on the use of herbal plants, a new trend exists to provide high-quality feed. This study aims to provide insight into the possible improvement effects of ginger and purslane powder concentrations (1% and 2%) on the growth performance and reproductive aspects of quail and to implement a completely randomized design (CRD) in triplicate. The results revealed that 1% ginger powder significantly influenced the final week of feed intake, resulting in minimum cholesterol and blood sugar levels in the blood. The data indicated that 1% purslane powder affected body weight and weight gain. It also has a positive effect on blood attributes, including PCV, Hb, amylase, and HDL, while the lowest LDL level is recorded. The application of 2% purslane resulted in the highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) and lipase blood parameters. The male quail presented the highest levels of PCV, Hb, and HDL but the lowest levels of blood sugar and TG. However, the female quail presented the lowest levels of cholesterol and LDL and the highest total protein. The findings of this study suggest that incorporating herbal plants like ginger and purslane into Japanese quail diets can enhance poultry quality. Such dietary supplements may offer natural, cost-effective alternatives for improving the health and productivity of quails, benefiting breeders and farmers in the poultry industry.

Assessing the Viability of Incorporating Sunflower Meal and Roselle Seed Meal as Unconventional Protein Sources in the Diets of Japanese Quails on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Serum Metabolites, Gene Expression, and Economic Efficienc

Assessing the Viability of Incorporating Sunflower Meal and Roselle Seed Meal as Unconventional Protein Sources in the Diets of Japanese Quails on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Serum Metabolites, Gene Expression, and Economic Efficienc

Functional oil in the feeding of heat-stressed Japanese quail

The objective of the present study was to evaluate a blend of functional oils (FO) composed of copaiba and garlic essential oils, pepper oleoresin and cashew nut liquid to mitigate the effects of heat stress on productivity, egg quality, organ morphology of the gastrointestinal tract, serum biochemical profile, nutrient metabolism and body temperature of Japanese quail. A completely randomized design was used in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme (without additive; 300 and 500 mg FO/kg of feed x birds raised in a thermal comfort (TC) and heat stress (HS) environment), with 6 replicates of 8 birds per plot. The birds under HS had lower feed intake (P = 0.0000), egg mass (P = 0.0000), laying rate (P = 0.0000) and higher percentage of infertile non-commercial eggs (P = 0.0004), lower head temperature amplitude (P = 0.0000) and higher average of body temperature (P = 0.0312). HS worsened the external and internal quality of the eggs. Birds kept in HS showed higher values of cholesterol (P = 0.0000) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (P = 0.0272). The use of 300 and 500 g FO/ton of feed improved the feed conversion (P = 0.0000) and egg mass (P = 0.0000) of the quail bred under HS, respectively, by 8.4 and 7.2% and increased the relative weight of liver (P = 0.0064) and pancreas (P = 0.0492). The use of such additives also provided a higher % of yolk (P = 0.0018) and reduced the percentage of albumen (P = 0.0029) of the eggs produced in TC, in addition to reducing the amplitude of head temperature (P = 0.0484) of birds bred under HS. The breeding of Japanese quail under HS results in negative impacts on the production, physiological and qualitative aspects of the eggs. The use of 300 g/ton of FO in the diet of Japanese quail leads to improvements in feed conversion, increased liver capacity in nutritional metabolism and results in eggs with a higher proportion of yolks, being, therefore, an alternative for feeding quail in a hot climate.

Inclusion of lemon balm (Lippia alba) as a phytogenic additive in the diet of Japanese quail

Inclusion of lemon balm (Lippia alba) as a phytogenic additive in the diet of Japanese quail

Impact of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal on Egg Quality Traits in Japanese quail

To evaluate the effect of diet supplementation with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on egg quality traits of Japanese quails, a study was conducted for 16 weeks. For this purpose, a total of 270 adult female quails and 90 adult male quails of seven weeks of age were divided into 5 groups (M0, M0.5, M1, M1.5, and M2) of 3 replicates of 24 birds (18 females and 6 males) each. The groups corresponded to 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% inclusion levels of MOLM. The egg quality traits were studied fortnightly in four randomly collected eggs per replicate. An improvement (P≤0.05) in the egg quality traits, particularly egg shape index, albumen index, yolk colour score, and Haugh unit was recorded in the quails fed MOLM-based diets which denote better egg quality and higher chances of acceptability of the eggs by the consumer. It is concluded that MOLM can be safely included at 2% in the diets of Japanese quails.

Appraisal of addition of Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Japanese quail diet on growth performance, biochemical parameters, and digestive enzymes.

Appraisal of addition of Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Japanese quail diet on growth performance, biochemical parameters, and digestive enzymes.

Effect of anise seed (Pimpinella anisum L.) and protease alone or in combination on growth performance, carcase characteristics, humoral immunity, nutrients digestibility and cecal microbiota in Japanese quails

ABSTRACT The trial investigated the effects of anise seed powder and protease, alone and combined, in Japanese quail diets. 540 seven-day-old quails were divided into four groups: Control (basal diet), Anise Seed Group (1000 mg/kg anise seed powder), Protease Enzyme Group (30,000 IU/kg Bacillus subtilis-derived protease enzyme), and a combination of anise powder and protease. The combination significantly increased weight gain and dressing percentage compared to the control. Quails receiving protease, anise powder, or both showed higher antibody titers against infectious diseases. The population of beneficial Lactobacillus increased in groups receiving protease and the combination. Additionally, the presence of harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli and Salmonella decreased significantly in quails supplemented with both protease enzyme and anise powder. In summary, combining protease and anise powder improved growth performance, immune responses, increased Lactobacillus population, and decreased pathogenic bacteria in quails.

Assessing the Impacts of Different Levels of Nano-Selenium on Growth Performance, Serum Metabolites, and Gene Expression in Heat-Stressed Growing Quails.

Nano-minerals are employed to enhance mineral bioavailability thus promoting the growth and well-being of animals. In recent times, nano-selenium (nano-Se) has garnered significant attention within the scientific community owing to its potential advantages in the context of poultry. This study was conducted to explore the impact of using variable levels of nano-Se on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum constituents, and gene expression in growing Japanese quails under both thermoneutral and heat stress conditions. A randomized experimental design was used in a 2 × 3 factorial, with 2 environmental conditions (thermoneutral and heat stress) and 3 nano-Se levels (0, 0.2, and 0.5 mg/kg of diet. The findings revealed that heat stress negatively affected the growth and feed utilization of quails; indicated by the poor BWG and FCR. Additionally, oxidative stress was aggravated under heat stress condition; indicated by increased lipids peroxidation and decreased antioxidant enzymes activities. The addition of nano-Se, especially at the level of 0.2 mg/kg of diet, significantly improved the performance of heat stressed quails and restored blood oxidative status. The expression profile of inflammatory and antioxidant markers was modulated by heat stress and/or 0.2 and 0.5 nano-Se in conjunction with environmental temperature in quail groups. In comparison to the control group, the heat stress-exposed quails' expression profiles of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 showed a notable up-regulation. Significantly lower levels of the genes for IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 and higher levels of the genes for SOD and GPX as compared to the heat stress group demonstrated the ameliorative impact of 0.2 nano-Se. The expression profiles of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 are dramatically elevated in quails exposed to 0.5 nano-Se when compared to the control group. SOD and GPX markers, on the other hand, were markedly down-regulated. It was concluded that nano-Se by low level in heat stressed growing quails provides the greatest performance and its supplementation can be considered as a protective management practice in Japanese quail diets to reduce the negative impact of heat stress.

Growth performance, carcass traits and meat physical characteristics of growing Japanese quail fed ginger powder and frankincense oil as feed additives

This work aimed to investigate the effects of dietary frankincense oil and ginger on the growth efficiency of growing Japanese quail, including live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits, and physical characteristics of the meat. In total, 150 unsexed Japanese quail chicks that were seven days old were utilized in the experiment. The chicks were randomly divided into five groups. Each group was divided into three replicates with ten birds in a completely randomized design. Group 1 received a basal diet without supplements and was used as a control group. Groups 2 and 3 received basal diets with 250 and 500 mg of ginger per kg of diet, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received basal diets with 200 and 400 mg of frankincense oil per kg of diet, respectively. Results showed that BW of chicks received 500 mg of ginger and the two levels of frankincense oil at 5 weeks of age, and 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil at 6 weeks significantly increased. BWG was significantly increased by using 500 mg of ginger and two levels of frankincense oil at 1-3 weeks, 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil at 3-6 weeks, and 1-6 weeks of age, in comparison with the control group. Treatments insignificantly influenced feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved considerably by using 250mg of ginger and 400mg of frankincense at 3-6 weeks and 1-6 weeks of age, respectively. Gizzard% was notably reduced with 200mg of frankincense oil. The pH value of meat was significantly increased by having two levels of ginger. Still, water holding capacity and tenderness significantly decreased owing to 500 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil. We can conclude that adding ginger and frankincense oil to Japanese quail diets may be beneficial.

Effect of Pure Corn Oil on Growth Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)

In recent years, consecutive research has been conducted on the nutrient requirements of the quails to find an optimum and affordable legitimate growth promoter. Different types of vegetable oil have been tested so far. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pure corn oil (PCO) on growth performance and live body weight gain in Japanese quails. A total of 80 four-day-old quail chicks were divided into two groups: control (20 checks) and experimental (60 checks). The experimental group was subdivided into three subgroups (G1, G2, and G3) of 20 chicks per group. All the control and experimental group chicks were fed a commercial grower quail diet in all three growth phases. Despite the commercial diet, the G1, G2, and G3 experimental groups were fed 1, 3, and 5% PCO, respectively. The values for live body weight did not significantly change after adding PCO to the quail’s diet. According to the study's findings, adding PCO to the commercial diet of Japanese quails in various amounts had no beneficial effects on feed consumption and growth rate. Additionally, it had an insignificant (p>0.05) detrimental impact on the growth performance of the quails compared to control groups. In conclusion, we can say that adding PCO to quail's commercial diet in the hot months of the year under Afghanistan's climate has no positive impact on growth and further slows down the rate of body weight gain.

Additive effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal and pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder on productive performance, carcass attributes and histological morphology of ileum in Japanese quails

ABSTRACT The experiment aimed to evaluate the combined effects of supplementing Japanese quail diets with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) and pomegranate peel powder (PPP) on growth, carcass quality and ileum histology. Four groups were formed: a control group, MOLM (0.2%), PPP (7.5%) and a combination of both (0.2% MOLM + 7.5% PPP). The control group exhibited the highest weight gain, followed by the MOLM group, with no significant differences in feed intake or conversion ratio. Carcass analysis showed significant differences in liver, heart and gizzard weights, with the mixed diet group having the highest values. However, wings and dressed weight percentages were unaffected by the treatments. Sensory evaluation revealed improved organoleptic properties in the mixed diet group. Histological examination demonstrated enhanced ileum morphology in the mixed diet group, with significant improvements in villi length and villus/crypt depth ratio. Overall, supplementation with 0.2% MOLM and 7.5% PPP positively impacted carcass quality, sensory attributes and bird health. These findings suggest the potential benefits of combining MOLM and PPP in quail diets to enhance growth and overall health, highlighting the importance of further research in poultry nutrition.

Effect of Azolla pinnata meal on growth, immunity, faecal E. coli, antioxidant capacity and gut histomorphology in Japanese quails

ABSTRACT Amidst increasing concerns regarding the incorporation of non-traditional protein sources in poultry diets as replacements for protein sources vital for human consumption, such as soybean meal, the utilization of Azolla leaf meal has garnered significant attention and popularity. The experiment commenced with 192 Japanese quail chicks (one day old), originated from a single hatch. Each chick was individually weighed and then randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups, namely control, supplementation of Azolla at the rate of 20 g/kg (Azolla 20), 40 g/kg (Azolla 40), and 60 g/kg (Azolla 60). Weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and dressing percentage were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Azolla 40 and Azolla 60 compared to the control. No significant (P > 0.05) difference was found in antibody titre against New Castle disease virus, maleanodialdehyde (MDA) and faecal E. coli excretion. Further, villus height, crypt depth and ratio between them improved significantly (P < 0.05) in Azolla 60 compared to the control. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated a favourable impact of incorporating Azolla meal into the Japanese quail diet, leading to improved growth rates attributed to its positive influence on intestinal morphology. However, no significant effects were observed on immune response, lipid peroxidation, or faecal E. coli levels.

Yeast cell wall in the diet of Japanese quails in the laying phase at different stocking densities

Resumo Objetivou-se mensurar o desempenho zootécnico e a qualidade de ovos de codornas japonesas alojadas sob diferentes densidades e alimentadas com rações contendo parede celular de levedura (PCL). Foram utilizadas 576 codornas japonesas (Coturnix japonica) com 43 semanas de idade e 76% de postura, com peso inicial de 158,50 ± 5,41 g distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso em esquema fatorial 3 × 2 (três níveis de PCL: 0; 500 e 750 g.ton−1 e duas densidades de alojamento: 81,5 e 92,4 cm2/ave), com seis repetições de 17 e 15 codornas por unidade experimental, respectivamente. Foram avaliados: consumo de ração, produção de ovos/ave/dia, produção de ovos/ave alojada, produção de ovos comercializáveis, massa de ovos, conversão alimentar por dúzia e por massa de ovos e viabilidade das aves; peso do ovo, peso específico, porcentagem de gema, de albúmen e de casca e espessura da casca. Não houve interação entre os níveis de inclusão de PCL e densidade de alojamento para os parâmetros avaliados, exceto para peso do ovo. Codornas alojadas em gaiolas com 92,4 cm2/ave alimentadas com 500 g.ton−1 de PCL apresentaram maior peso do ovo. A espessura de casca foi influenciada de forma independente pela densidade de alojamento, a menor densidade (92,4 cm|2/ave) promoveu maior espessura de casca. A inclusão de 500 g.ton−1 de PCL na ração de codornas japonesas alojadas sob densidade de 92,4 cm2/ave melhora o peso dos ovos e a espessura da casca.

Effect of moringa oleifera utilization on meat quality in japanese quails

Moringa oleifera, with its many parts, is a plant rich in nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Many studies on Moringa Oleifera have been conducted to examine the effects of moringa added to the ration on performance and welfare parameters, but studies on the effects on meat quality have been limited. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Moringa Oleifera utilization on meat quality in Japanese quail diets. In the study, no moringa powder was added to the ration in the control group, 2% moringa powder was added to the ration in Moringa-1 group, 4% moringa powder was added to the ration in Moringa-2 group and 6% moringa powder was added to the ration in Moringa-3 group. Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) was performed to determine meat quality. TPA analysis, which gives information about the textural properties of meat; variables related to hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness and resilience were analyzed. When the effects of the addition of Moringa oleifera powder to the ration on meat quality between the groups were examined, it was determined that hardness 0.69 springiness 0.09 cohesiveness 0,73 gumminess 0.83 chewiness 0.81 and resilience values were 0.36. As a result of the statistical analysis, the variables related to TPA were found to be insignificant at 0.05 level of significance, although the values found between group were different(P&gt;0.05). As a result, the addition of Moringa oleifera powder to the ration between 2% and 6% had no effect on meat quality.

Parede celular de levedura em dieta para codornas japonesas na fase de postura em diferentes densidades de criação

Abstract The objective of this study was to measure the zootechnical performance and egg quality of Japanese quails housed at different densities and fed diets containing yeast cell walls (YCWs). Five hundred and seventy-six quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were distributed at 43 weeks of age, and 76% were laid, with an initial weight of 158.50 ± 5.41 g, in a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (three YCW levels: 0, 500, and 750 g.ton−1 and two housing densities: 81.5 and 92.4 cm2/quail), with six replicates of 17 and 15 quail per experimental unit, respectively. The following parameters were evaluated: feed intake, egg production/bird/day, egg production/housed quail, marketable egg production, egg mass, feed conversion per dozen eggs, egg mass and viability, egg weight, specific egg weight, percentage of yolk, albumen and shell, and shell thickness. The means of the three cycles of 21 days were subjected to analysis of variance using the statistical software Sisvar. There was no significant interaction effect between YCW inclusion level and cage density on zootechnical performance parameters or egg quality, except for egg weight, which suggested that YCW addition, regardless of cage density, did not affect the results. It was observed that the eggs of quails housed in cages with 92.4 cm2/bird feed and 500 g.ton1 YCW had greater egg weights. Shell thickness was independently influenced by cage density, and the lowest density (92.4 cm2/bird) promoted greater shell thickness. The inclusion of 500 g.ton1 of yeast cell wall material in the diet of Japanese quails housed at a density of 92.4 cm2/bird improved egg weight and shell thickness without negatively affecting the other parameters of egg quality or zootechnical performance.

Effects of Supplementation Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) to The Diets of Breeder Japanese Quails on Performance, Egg Quality, and Incubation Parameters

This study was performed to assess the effect of different levels of addition (0, 4, and 8%) of dried and ground Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) to breeder Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) diets on performance, egg quality and incubation parameters. In the experiment, 72 breeder Japanese quails (18 males, 54 females) at 8 weeks of age were randomly distributed into 3 treatment groups with 6 replications, each with 3 females and 1 male quail. Treatment groups were fed with diets supplemented with different levels of black soldier fly larvae (BSF) for 8 weeks.Feed intake was significantly higher in the control group than in the other treatment groups, and there were no significant differences between the groups in feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg weight, and egg mass. Similarly, no significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of egg quality parameters such as eggshell thickness, eggyolk index, eggshell breaking strength, and eggshell weight parameters. However, the shape index was significantly higher in the BSF 4% group than the control group. Albumen index was highest in the control group. While there was no significant difference among the groups in terms of egg yolk L* value, as the amount of BSF in the diet increased, there was a significant increase in the a* and b* values. Incubation parameters were not affected by the treatments. According to the results of the experiment, it was concluded that the addition of 4% and 8% BSF to breeder Japanese quail diets can be used at 8% level without any negative effects on performance, egg quality, or incubation parameters.

The potential of Spirulina platensis to substitute antibiotics in Japanese quail diets: impacts on growth, carcass traits, antioxidant status, blood biochemical parameters, and cecal microorganisms

The development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms prompted the investigation of possible antibiotic substitutes. As a result, the purpose of the current study is to assess the effect of dietary Spirulina platensis extract as an antibiotic alternative on Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) growth, antioxidant status, blood parameters, and cecal microorganisms. There was a total of 150 Japanese quails used in this study, divided equally among 5 experimental groups (10 birds per group with 3 replicates): group 1 (G1) received a basal diet without any S. platensis extract, group 2 (G2) received a basal diet supplemented with 1 mL S. platensis extract/kg, group 3 (G3) received a basal diet supplemented with 2 mL S. platensis extract/kg, group 4 (G4) received a basal diet supplemented with 3 mL S. platensis extract/kg, and group 5 (G5) received a basal diet supplemented with 4 mL S. platensis extract/kg from d 7 until d 35. The results showed that compared to the control birds in G1, Japanese quail supplemented with 4 mL of S. platensis extract/kg of diet (G5) had significantly better live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, digestive enzymes, blood parameters, liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, antioxidant profile, immunological parameters, and cecal microorganism's count. There were no significant changes in the percentage of carcasses, liver, and total giblets among all the 5 groups. Only gizzard percentage showed a significant increase in G2 compared to birds in G1. In addition, intestinal pH showed a significant drop in G2 and G5 compared to birds in G1. After cooking the quail meat, the juiciness and tenderness increased as S. platensis extract levels increased, whereas aroma and taste declined slightly as S. platensis extract levels increased. Furthermore, when a high concentration of S. platensis extract was used, the lightness of the meat reduced while its redness and yellowness increased. The disk diffusion assay showed that S. platensis extract had significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella typhi, with inhibition zones ranging from 16 to 42 mm. This activity may be attributable to the volatile chemicals in S. platensis extract, of which Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol are the primary components. In the diet of Japanese quails, it is possible to draw the conclusion that the extract of S. platensis can be utilized as a feed additive and as an alternative to antibiotics.

Role of Eruca sativa L. seeds in boosting the reproductive performance of male Japanese quails (Coturnix c. japonica).

Herein we attempt to shed light on the potential improving effect of Eruca sativa seeds (ESS) on the reproductive aspects of male Japanese quails. To accomplish this objective, two groups of quails were supplemented with ESS powder at doses of 5 and 10 g/kg feed from 7 days to 140 days of age, in addition to the control group, which did not receive treatment. Forty males were reared singly in cages to evaluate sperm characters and 32 males were raised with 64 females to evaluate fertility and sperm penetrability. Sixty-six phytochemical compounds were found according to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of ESS. The most plentiful ones are 13-docosenoic acid methyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, and linoleic acid methyl ester. Both 5 g/kg and 10 g/kg doses of ESS showed similar effectiveness in enhancing various reproductive parameters, including gonadal index, sperm characteristics, fertility, libido, and cloacal gland attributes. However, some aspects like sperm concentration and testosterone levels exhibited a dose-dependent response. There is no significant change in mortality rate of supplemented groups compared to the control one. ESS also caused a reduction in feed intake and an enhancement in feed conversion ratio without affecting final body weight and body weight gain. This suggests potential nutritional benefits beyond reproductive health. The low-dose-fed group showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and malondialdehyde compared to the high-dose-fed and unfed groups. The higher dose notably increased total antioxidant capacity compared to the lower dose and control group. Despite the positive effects on male reproductive parameters, there wasn't a significant impact on hatchability percentage, indicating that while male fertility improved, it might not have directly affected the viability of the eggs. Overall, the study suggests that ESS could be a safe and promising addition to the diet of male Japanese quails to enhance their reproductive capabilities without adverse effects. The findings could have implications for poultry farming by potentially improving breeding efficiency and health outcomes in quails.

Effect of Adding Different Levels of Vitamin D3 to Diet and its Relationship to Qualitative Traits and Hatchability for Japanese Quail

A study was conducted to understand the effect of adding different levels of vitamin D to the diet of Japanese quail and its relation to qualitative traits and hatchability. The duration of the experiment was 8 weeks. 240 birds (180 females + 60 males) were used on the basis of homogenization, at the age of (45) days, from Japanese quail; The birds were randomly distributed into 4 treatments, each containing 3 replicates, 15 females and 5 males for each replicate, as the birds were raised in floor cages inside the hall. The experimental treatments were distributed as follows: T1: Males and Females feed in diet free from additives D3 control diet) T2: Adding D3 by 50 mg kg - feed from D3 T3: Adding D3 by 100 mg kg -1 m -1 feed from D3 T4: Adding D3 by 150 mg kg feed from D3. The results showed a significant improvement (P ≤ 0.05) in some qualitative characteristics of the egg during the first and second period and the average of the two periods for the treatments compared with the control treatment from the experiment. While the results showed that there were no significant differences in the characteristics of fertility and hatching for each of the first and second hatching, and the rate of hatching for the two treatments compared with the treatment control of the experiment.